Good for Oprah for finally admitting she was wrong and standing up to James Frey, the author who embarrassed her by fabricating parts of his book “A Million Little Pieces,” the story of his recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction. The book zoomed to top of the best-seller’s list and sold 3.5 million copies after… Read More
Authors & Publishers
Press releases about new books should explain where readers can buy them
One of the biggest mistakes authors make is sending a press release about their new book to the media, but failing to mention where people can buy the book. I know this because I feature books in my subscription newsletter, The Publicity Hound. At least 7 out of 10 releases, even those sent by major publishing… Read More
Dan Poynter adds second ezine for authors
Publishing expert Dan Poynter, who every author should be watching and following closely, is starting a second ezine for authors. The current monthly ezine, titled Your Publishing Poynters, has 25,000 subscribers and is packed with information for authors and publishers. “Last November, we started a new section in Publishing Poynters:ParaWants-Reviews (on Amazon and B&N wanted),” Dan writes in today’s… Read More
How to promote a book for writers
C. Hope Clark of Phoenix, Arizona writes: “I am author of THE SHY WRITER: An Introvert’s Guide to Writing Success. The thrust of the book is “Sell your words, not your soul” and it is designed for people who cringe at getting up in front of people. It helps them come up with alternatives to… Read More
Books wanted for book review website
Irene Watson is looking for books to review for her new book review website called Reader Views . “As a new author, I struggled to get reviews,” she said. “Considering there are over 200,000 books published yearly, most books don’t get the proper review they should. I gathered a team of reviewers throughout U.S. and… Read More
Don’t pay for book reviews
A reader emailed me just now, asking if I think it’s ethical for him to charge authors in return for him reviewing their books in his new book review newsletter. “I’d like to pass my costs on to publishers or authors who want their books reviewed,” he said. That’s a horrible idea, for several reasons.… Read More
How to promote a book about inexpensive toys that bring out your child’s creativity
Publicity Hound Tim Martin of Corona, California writes: “I am working with Rex Bowlby, the author of the book ‘Why Would I Want the Toy, When I Can Have the Box?…101 Ways to Make the Most of Your Children, Children, with the Least from Your Wallet.’ It provides a treasure chest full of ideas on… Read More
Author misses a shot at book publicity
Norm Goldman, editor of SketchandTravel.com and Bookpleasures.com wrote to complain about authors who miss opportunities to promote themselves: “I just had an experience where an author, who conducts writing workshops, could not find the time (probably about less than an hour) to participate in an e-interview. “The interview would have promoted her workshops, herself and… Read More
Author wisely passes up a chance at publicity
Lana Jordan from Jorlan Publishing, who I met at the conference of the Small Publishers of North America on Oct. 23, emailed me today asking for advice on how she should have handled a situation that could have led to some great publicity. “I may be in the background somewhere on NBC’s Three Wishes this… Read More
How to promote a book about writing
Barbara Florio Graham of Gatineau, Quebec, Canada writes: “The 20th anniversary edition of my popular book, Five Fast Steps to Better Writing, just came out this fall, and I’d like to capitalize on the ‘five fast steps’ theme (which is also the title of my second book, Five Fast Steps to Low-Cost Publicity), by arranging… Read More